Darice M. Vanasse | My Regal Bolognese

Interview with Darice M. Vanasse, Breeder of My Regal Bolognese

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
3. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days?
4. What are some of the challenges encountered along the road to full AKC recognition? What are some of the challenges as a preservation breeder? As an Exhibitor?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?

Darice M. Vanasse

1. I founded My Regal Bolognese in 2018 in the Texas Hill Country just outside of San Antonio. I got my first Bolognese dog in 2014 and welcomed a female in 2016. As a retired NICU nurse, I found myself missing caring for little beings, so breeding seemed like the natural next step. After my first litter, I was hooked!

2. The Bolognese breed has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years and has minimal health issues, which was a big draw for me. Reputable breeders conduct DNA, patella, eye (CAER), and PRA/PRCD if needed, prior to breeding. With just over 500 Bolognese registered with the AKC, we are only beginning to gather health data. Maintaining and preserving the health of the breed is a top priority of the American Bolognese Club, the AKC parent club.

3. The Bolognese breed was accepted into the FSS/MISC class in June of 2024, and may now compete in Open Shows. Before this, we were limited to rare breed clubs or UKC shows. I’d like to see more Open Shows for FSS/MISC breeds, to showcase their qualities. Our parent club will begin holding Judges Education seminars in 2025.

4. The AKC has strict requirements for advancing to full recognition, which are challenging to meet with only a small number of Bolognese registered and shown. Bolognese breeders in the US also face challenges, with small litters and limited gene pools due to there being less than two dozen breeders in this country. Importing is expensive, and CDC regulations now require imported dogs to be at least six months old, with full rabies vaccinations, making it even harder..

5. Social media is a great tool for promoting dogs, breeding, and showing. People love to watch dogs in action, whether in Agility, Conformation, or other events. However, it also increases the risk of “impulse buyers,” which is why responsible breeders must thoroughly screen potential families.

6. The lack of Junior Handlers needs to be addressed if this sport is going to continue to grow.